'Distrust runs very deep' Why Syria's Sweida Province is still seeing violence and clashes | DW News

Key Concepts

• Fragile ceasefire in southern Syria (Sueda)
• Sectarian clashes between Bedawin tribes and Drews fighters
• Accusations against Syrian government forces
• Distrust of the central government
• Humanitarian crisis: displacement, lack of basic necessities
• Sectarian violence and its impact on civilians
• Government investigation and its credibility
• Vulnerability of the Drews minority
• Incitement and hate speech against Drews
• Israeli intervention and its perception

Sueda Ceasefire and Sectarian Clashes

• A fragile ceasefire is in place in southern Syria after deadly sectarian clashes between Bedawin tribes and Drews fighters.
• The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports over 1,000 deaths and over 100,000 people displaced.
• Bedawin tribesmen are attempting to reach Sueda city, claiming Drews fighters have committed atrocities against their women and families.
• Clashes were exacerbated by the intervention of Syrian government forces.
• Despite the ceasefire, gunfire and smoke are still visible, indicating ongoing tensions.

Role of Government Forces

• Government forces have set up roadblocks to prevent Bedawin fighters from entering Sueda.
• Tribesmen distrust government promises and want to take matters into their own hands.
• Syrian government forces are accused of violating and killing civilians, leading to a lack of trust.
• Government forces are accused of being part of the sectarian violence and exacerbating the situation.
• The Syrian Defense Ministry has promised to punish the perpetrators in Sueda.

Impact on Civilians

• Civilians are caught in the crossfire, facing violence and displacement.
• Drews civilians are trapped in Sueda, lacking food, electricity, medicine, and water.
• Bedawin families have fled to government-controlled areas, reporting attacks by Drews fighters.
• Horrific stories of violence, including killings and captivity, are emerging from both sides.
• Sectarian violence has turned the area into a ghost town.

Distrust and Lack of Protection

• Deep-seated distrust exists between different groups (Drews, Bedawin, Sunnis) and the central government.
• Civilians feel the government cannot protect them, leading to a sense of abandonment.
• The current government's actions are seen as a continuation of the Assad dynasty's divisive tactics.

Government Investigation and Credibility

• The government has promised a probe into the killings and pledged to protect minorities.
• A recent government report on sectarian violence in coastal areas found over 1,400 deaths, mostly civilians, and identified 300 possible perpetrators, but none were security forces.
• The report's findings have been met with criticism and skepticism, as victims accuse the government of involvement.
• Human rights organizations emphasize the need for the government to be honest and punish those within its ranks implicated in violations.

Vulnerability of the Drews Minority

• The Drews minority in Syria is particularly vulnerable, facing hate speech and incitement.
• There is a perception that some Drews factions have invited Israeli intervention, leading to further animosity.
• Israel has intervened with air strikes, claiming to protect the Drews.
• The Drew community is not united on its position towards Israel.

Aya Ibrahim's Observations (DW Correspondent)

• The level of anger and distrust among all groups is striking.
• It is difficult to distinguish between government forces and Bedawin forces, blurring the lines.
• The humanitarian situation in Sueda is disastrous.
• The ceasefire is fragile, with ongoing skirmishes.
• The government's ability to protect civilians is questioned.

Notable Quotes

• Bedawin tribesmen: "They've slaughtered, burned, and raped our women. There are hundreds in there. We want the bodies."
• Hassan Halabi (Syrian Drews): "When you see your brothers and your family getting slaughtered in their own country, you feel that this is not your country."
• Displaced Bedawin woman: "They killed my neighbor and her five children. They cut their heads off and then killed her. I saw this with my own eyes."
• Aya Ibrahim (DW Correspondent): "It's really civilians that bear the brunt of conflicts like this."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The situation in southern Syria is characterized by a fragile ceasefire, deep-seated sectarian tensions, and a humanitarian crisis. The distrust of the central government, accusations against government forces, and the vulnerability of the Drews minority exacerbate the conflict. The government's ability to investigate itself and protect civilians is questioned, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The civilians are paying the highest price.